Despite impressive performances last season, Stefon Diggs and Deebo Samuel remain unsigned in NFL free agency, with teams showing interest but cautious due to one major factor influencing negotiations this offseason.
Veteran receivers are being carefully evaluated, as franchises weigh the cost versus production potential. Diggs and Samuel are talented, but their expected contracts make teams hesitant to commit, creating a slower-than-usual market.
“The thing is, at this stage in free agency,” NFL Insider Tom Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show. “You’re getting to that point where unless you’re willing to sign a one-year, $5 million-type deal, there’s just not a lot of offers out there.
“That’s what it may take. Diggs may well get more than that, but you can go right down the list. You’ve got the likes of Deebo Samuel still out there, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins, edge rushers like Von Miller, Cam Jordan, Jadeveon Clowney, like all those guys.
“But if you’re not a first- or second-wave player, and your expectation is to get money, you may have to wait a little bit.”
The emphasis on contract size means veteran stars are being patient until teams can match their value with realistic offers.
Deebo Samuel is facing similar hurdles. The Carolina Panthers have been mentioned as a possible landing spot due to their youthful receiver corps, which includes Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, while other targets like Xavier Legette and Jimmy Horn Jr. develop.
“The Panthers‘ young receiving corps could use a veteran presence,” USA Today‘s Tyler Dragon said, “Samuel doesn’t rack up yards after the catch like he once did, but he’s still capable of making timely plays, and his experience will help a young Panthers squad.”
Samuel finished the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders after a trade, totaling 72 receptions for 727 yards, five receiving touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown.
His projected market value hovers around $15.8 million per season, though adjustments are possible.
Salary-cap constraints are significant for Carolina. With only $5.06 million available and major offseason spending already committed to Jaelan Phillips, Devin Lloyd, and Rasheed Walker. They must carefully evaluate whether a deal for Samuel can fit into the budget.
Could Stefon Diggs head to the Los Angeles Rams?
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Stefon Diggs continues to await the right opportunity. Diggs recorded 85 receptions for over 1,000 yards last season with the New England Patriots, helping them reach the Super Bowl, where they ultimately fell to the Seattle Seahawks.
Diggs had been in the middle of a three-year, $63.5 million deal with New England before his release in March freed up $16.8 million in cap space. Legal issues and off-field matters, reportedly involving rapper Cardi B, influenced the Patriots‘ decision to move on.
Now valued at roughly a two-year, $27.6 million deal, Diggs has caught the attention of the Los Angeles Rams, who continue to seek a reliable third receiving option to support quarterback Matthew Stafford and complement their current offensive setup.
“I do think that at some point, you’re looking at bringing a third receiver in,” Albert Breer said. “Maybe that’s a veteran like Stefon Diggs who could fit what you’re trying to do and fit what you’ve looked for.
“I don’t know that he’s quite as good a blocker as they’ve generally looked for at that position, but he could be somebody who you could bring in as a situational type of player.”
With teams evaluating both production and contract expectations, Diggs and Samuel remain among the top veteran free agents still on the market, leaving fans to speculate which franchise will secure their services before training camp begins.
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